Residents opposed to a proposed gas pipeline in north Co Mayo lobbied politicians at Dáil Éireann this afternoon.
The Rossport Five - who spent 94 days in jail for obstructing construction work on a proposed Shell pipeline in north Co Mayo - were jailed a year ago this week after protests at the site of Shell's proposed gas refinery at Bellanaboy in Erris, Co Mayo.
Mary Corduff
Supporters launched an information leaflet campaign that will be distributed to in Dublin and other urban areas in an attempt to highlight their campaign and to win the support of politicians ahead of next year's predicted general election.
The event outside the Dail was supported by several TDs including Dan Boyle of the Greens, Joe Costello of Labour, Independent Jerry Cowley, John Gormley of the Greens, Socialist Party TD Joe Higgins and Sinn Fein TD Arthur Morgan and MEP Mary Lou McDonald.
Mary Corduff, wife of Rossport Five member Willie Corduff, said people in every constituency must make the Rossport campaign a general election issue with local candidates because it can affect every constituency.
"What is happening in Rossport in North Mayo can happen in any community. It's a much broader issue of protecting our natural resources which must be utilised to the benefit of the people of Ireland instead of being given away.
"This leaflet will ensure that when a general election candidate comes knocking on a door, the householder will be fully briefed on the campaign and can ask the candidate where they stand on the issue."
The leaflet urges the public to contact local media and their local TD on the issue or visit the 'Shell To Sea' solidarity camp in north Mayo.
To mark the first anniversary on Thursday of the jailing of the Rossport Five by the High Court, supporters will lay a wreath at the grave of former Land League founder Michael Davitt in Straide in Co Mayo.
Micheal O Seighin, Willie Corduff, Phillip McGrath, Brendan Philbin and Vincent McGrath had refused to obey a court order stopping them from blocking construction work on the project.
Campaigners are also planning a number of fundraising initiatives in coming weeks, including a walk from Rossport to Dublin, beginning on July 29.